1 Million Seeds for the Coa Valley

  Portugal

• Other Cities in Portugal: 
Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: inquire for dates

Description: ATN's Bosques da Faia Brava project (Faia Brava Woodland) challenges you to live different and original days, dedicated to the conservation of native woods at the NE of Portugal, through the volunteer program "1 Million Seeds for the Coa Valley". With your support, we want to work on woodland recovery and improvement, as well as on the main streams and abandoned agricultural areas, all of which were affected by fire. With your help we hope to contribute to the conservation of the traditional habitat mosaic, thus protecting fauna and flora species that depend on it. The major goal of this initiative is to collect and sow 1 million seeds of native trees in the next years (2009-2014), in an area of about 500 ha, including ash trees, oaks, maples and other native species. Sign up now, we have limited registrations. Support us, by making part of our team!

Highlights:
Main tasks:
- Collection of seeds
- maintaining the tree nursery
- planting trees and seeds

Other tasks:
- Bird surveys
- wildlife monitoring
- pigeon house maintenance
- oaks pruning
- nature trail maintenance
- garrano herd management (autochthonous horse species)

Qualifications: This volunteer program is open to all volunteers over 18 years old, who want different and active holidays. It is essential that volunteers stay at least for a week. Work will be done outside, under relatively cold winter temperatures, therefore it is important to wear hot and comfortable clothing, but above all you need enthusiasm and interest in nature conservation!

Cost in US$: 25

Experience Required: no

Age Range: from 18 up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Portugal Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

ATN - Associacao Transumancia e Natureza's Mission Statement: ATN (Association Transumancia e Natureza) is an environmental NGO working in the Riba-Coa region, Portugal since 2000. The main objectives of this organization are biodiversity conservation and using traditional agriculture activities for preserving the natural habitat mosaic of the region. Important cliff-breeder populations exist and breed in the area: Golden Eagles, Bonelli's Eagles, Egyptian Vultures, Griffon Vultures. ATN is building a network of biological micro-reserves, by purchasing properties near the nesting sites of the birds, in the deep valleys of the Coa, Douro and Agueda rivers. ATN also produces organic olive oil and develops projects for the sustainable rural development of the area, improving the habitat mosaic and encouraging partnerships with local shepherds for the sustainable use of the land for pastures and bush control. Other areas of interest and work are environmental education, rural fire prevention and vigilance, and finally protection of the important cork oak woods in the area.

Year Founded: 2000